Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad

Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.

However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.

His six-match scoring run places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.

Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.

"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."